Present: Cllr W Clive, Cllr Hall, Cllr Styan, Chairman Cllr B Annis, Cllr Smythe
District Cllr A. Crump, County Cllr Eyre. Clerk : Richard Timney
- APOLOGIES: Cllr J. King.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Annis and CllrSmythe on planning items and Cllrs Hall on Village Hall matters.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES from meeting Tues 21st January 2025
Proposed Cllr Hall, Seconded Cllr Clive. Approved
4. PLANNING:
a) Planning Presentation of mitigating measures by potential housing developers along Middle Lane (ML) and Field Barn Lane (FBL).
A number of residents attended to listen to the presentation by local developers. The developers’ proposals are for enhanced footpath routes from ML and FBL towards the school and the VH. The FBL and ML junction may also be adjusted to allow for better visibility but there is no proposal yet for the widening of FBL or for a footpath along FBL to the B4084. Residents raised a number of concerns which have been reflected by the PC in their responses to earlier planning applications for these sites. The PC will consider its further responses to future planning applications in the light of the mitigating proposals on offer and the comments of residents.
b) W/24/02568/CCO Applicant attended to provide an explanation of new lighting being used at new “glamping” pods site in Blacksmith’s Lane. The PC were reassured and raise no objection to the plans.
c) W/25/00105/HED Location: Corehill Farm, Blacksmiths Lane, Cropthorne, Pershore, WR10 3LX Description of Proposal: Removal of 4 metres of hedgerow. The PC noted that this has been approved and completed.
d) Planning appeal W/24/00851/FUL at Midcott Middle Lane, Cropthorne, WR10 3LZ. The PC has no further comments to add to its earlier submission.
e) W/25/00349/HP Bank Top, Main Street, Cropthorne, WR10 3NB – (amendment to extension). The PC resolved to point out that it is important that the impact of the development is appropriate to its location and the effect of the development on the curtilage of the Conservation Area be considered.
f) Approval of W/24/02385/HP – The Wergs, Kennel Bank, WR10 3ND (fencing) Noted
5. HIGHWAY MATTERS (TO INCLUDE FLOODING)
a) Following a meeting with highways engineer, Barry Barnes, the following has been actioned:
- One of the vehicle activated signs will be moved from the bus stop at the VH to the verge outside Cropthorne Manor
- A new grip will be dug by the Lengthsman opposite No3 Brook Lane.
- Gulleys will be jetted along Brook Lane
- Drainage arrangements at the junction of the B4084 and Brook Lane will be investigated by County Highways.
- Leylandii trees in Brook Lane will be trimmed back to help pedestrians at the junction of the B4084.
2023/40
b) A resident reported that the gulleys in Lower Croft were blocked – the Clerk to report on.
c) Residents reported that Lower Croft still has a lot of debris and rubbish left by contractors using the Croft as a storage point for double glazing units. Cllr Crump is in contact with the appropriate officer.
6. BALDWINS BANK TREE MANAGEMENT. Councillors noted that the under canopy was looking more open and healthy since the tree works were carried out last year.
7. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
Cllrs raised issues relating to local government reorganisation.
Cllr Eyre said her goodbyes to the Parish Council after many years of service. She is retiring from the County Council in May. Parish Councillors wished her well and thanked her for all her support over the years.
8. PROGRESS REPORTS/UPDATES
- Cllrs approved the renewing of the Lengthsmans contract for 2025/26 at £16/hr.
- The pc approved the purchase of two litter bins for the junction of footpaths in Middle Lane and in the New Inn layby. Design to be confirmed.
- The PC noted that funding for new benches on The Sheppey had been approved by WDC and that when funds were deposited the benches would be ordered.
9. FINANCIAL MATTERS:
Jan 1st 2025 to 10th March 2025
Expenditure
| Date | To Whom | For what | Amount |
| 3/1/2025 | PATA UK | Payroll to Oct | 31.05 |
| 24/1/2025 | Steve Baker Services | Solar panel install | 96.34 |
| 24/1/2025 | Steve Baker Services | LM | 176.40 |
| 24/1/2025 | PATA UK | Payroll to Jan | 31.05 |
| 28/1/2025 | RT Clerk | Salary | 348.96 |
| 7/2/2025 | C and C Village Hall | Room hire | 78.75 |
| 13/2/2025 | C and C Village Hall | Annual grant | 900.00 |
| 13/2/2025 | C and C Village Hall | Room hire | 91.25 |
| 24/2/2025 | Steve Baker Services | LM | 183.75 |
| 28/2/2025 | RT Clerk | Salary | 348.96 |
Income
| Date | From | For what | Amount |
| 9/1/2025 | Lloyds | Interest | 4.36 |
| 9/2/2025 | Lloyds | Interest | 4.50 |
| 21/1/2025 | WCC | LM | 176.40 |
| 25/2/2025 | WCC | LM | 183.75 |
Bank balances on 10 March 2025
Instant access savings £ 5,138.71 (excluding estimated £4.50 to be added on 9th March)
Treasurers Account £ 17,546.80
Total £ 22,685.51
2023/41
- £16 per month clerks expenses payment for 2024/25 – £192 total as per budget. Approved
10. VILLAGE HALL – The hall is in good shape with works being done to the playing field. Noted
11. ITEMS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION / AGENDAS
Approval of design and purchase of litter bins.
12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tues 6th May 2025 following the completion of the Annual Parish Meeting at 7pm.
(to avoid Bank Holiday and VE Day celebrations.) Approved
Meeting Closed at 9.20